One of Merseyside’s most successful entrepreneurs has urged local business leaders to give their backing to start-up enterprises.

George Downing, whose property company is developing projects worth £500m across the country, has been named “entrepreneur in residence” at Liverpool’s Spark Up programme.

Spark Up, based at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, was launched in March and is offering mentoring, coaching, office space and IT facilities free to 15 start-up entrepreneurs, known as Bright Sparks, and fledgling businesses.

Entirely private sector-funded, it is hoped the project will create 500 Merseyside businesses in the next five years. The programme is modelled on the similar schemes in Boston and Scotland.

Mr Downing, who has personally invested a five-figure sum in the Spark Up prize fund, said: “I’m always hearing how the Liverpool city region needs more businesses and business leaders constantly talk about a need to grow the market.

“Each of them, including myself, has a responsibility to invest and create jobs as well as support the growth of new business.

“Spark Up has given me the perfect avenue to fulfil that duty. Entrepreneurs are a special breed and the backbone of the economy. It’s time to stop talking about supporting business growth and act on delivering business growth.”

Mr Downing was speaking at the inaugural Spark Up breakfast event, hosted by chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Jenny Stewart and attended by leading business and political figures including Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson.

The 15 Bright Sparks delivered a 60-second pitch presenting their business objectives and needs.

The panel of judges included Mr Downing, Mayor Anderson, John Sutcliffe, chair of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Telfer, regional director of NatWest. They awarded two of the start-ups seed funding to support with marketing, research, and product development.

Russell & Brown Vintage Hair was awarded first prize of £1,500 and a second prize of £1,000 was awarded to Andy Milne of Triketastic.

Spark Up is supported by private sector organisations including NatWest, national PR firm The BIG Partnership, and the University of Liverpool.